Ann Charles (1) (1971–)

Ms. Charles achieved the almost impossible feat of releasing a second-in-the series, which outshines the first.

Wonderful writing, excellent story building, terrific characters, snappy dialogue and just enough romance to keep readers enthralled from page one to the last. Ghost stories, recent murder-suicide, and Violets unending quest to build a new, stable life for her kids. This novel has everything a mystery-reader loves.

This book starts off shortly after book 1 and Violet quickly gets a show more slew of new buyers looking for homes and one beautiful, haunted murder scene home to sell. With ghosts, stalking and a box of teeth this is a fun, fast-paced read.

We get the characters we started to love in book 1 – Mysterious Doc, Aging Lothario Old Man Harvey, Jerk realtor Ray , and of course Violet and her mischievous twins. We even get a glimpse of Violet Aunt’s steamy past with a Sam Elliot look-alike-fire chief.

Recommend?
If you like your mystery with a dash of heat and a heaping helping of snark and sarcasm, this book is for you.

This review appeared on my website.

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was asked to review this book from the author's publicist, but I received the digital book via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County Library system. It was read as a Kindle Book.

I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.” show less

An Ex to Grind in Deadwood is the 5th book in Ann Charles' Deadwood cozy mystery series. I have been reading these books since the beginning, and each time I enjoy returning to the world of Violet Parker in her small, South Dakota town. These are cozy mysteries with a twist - a supernatural element. Up until this book, I thought the paranormal aspect of the book was not always the main focus, but in this one the occult aspect is really ramped up.

Violet receives a mysterious phone call from show more an elderly woman. When Violet goes to her home, she finds the woman recently dead. And with a shrunken head! There is a strange supernatural vibe about the murder, which only increases when Violet finds out that the building where the woman lived was the site of a similar murder years before. Soon, Violet and her boyfriend Doc are searching for clues along with their friend Harvey and assorted other characters from previous novels. There is a pretty interesting seance half way through the book that is very creepy.

Solving the mystery is not the only excitement in Violet's life. Her obnoxious ex husband has arrived in town and intends to find an apartment there. Her boss at the real estate office has made a deal with a tv show for them to follow Violet around as she sells "haunted" houses. And she is dealing with being a single mom to two children. Violet has a pretty busy life.

I really enjoy this series. Reading these books is always a fun way to spend an evening. The books are not too serious, and have a dash of humor. The characters are interesting and quirky, and most of them are likable. This is one series that I recommend you start at the beginning and read the series in order. It is becoming more and more apparent that the supernatural elements of each case are connected and it feels like the books are building towards some big event. The very last pages really shocked me and I think big changes are coming. I am very excited to read the next installment in the Deadwood series. show less

I downloaded Ann's first book in the Deadwood series during a free promotional period. The book description was intriguing and pulled me in; I had nothing to lose if "Nearly Departed" wasn't my cup of tea. However, it turned out to be a real gem! Having read all the Janet Evanovich books, I could visualize Violet Parker as Stephanie Plum or even the other way around. In Nearly Departed in Deadwood, Ann's characters are believable, witty, secretive and charming; just like any of those folks show more living in small towns all over the country. Deadwood is different though because it is known as the town where three young girls went missing in the course of a couple of years. Violet Parker is new to Deadwood and is starting her new job in real estate to support herself and two young children. Her boss is pressuring her to either sell a first home quickly or lose the job. Violet is desperate and needs the money, but is distracted by the earlier kidnappings when she discovers that her daughter has an uncanny resemblance to the missing girls.

Ms. Parker soon acquires buyers and sellers for homes, but evidence she uncovers during these home tours makes the reader believe she's found the kidnapper. It is a wild ride with many twists and turns in addition to numerous laugh out loud moments. It all comes together at the end and the reader can finally give a sigh of relief.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to all - especially Janet Evanovich fans. You will love this book - trust me!

The author left one of the many mysteries unsolved - prompting readers to get her next book in the Deadwood trilogy to find the answer. I've already downloaded my copy and plan to start when I am done here. Great job Ann!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel show less

Ann Charles has the "touch" when it comes to delivering the perfect blend of snarky realistic humor and fun. I fell in love with Violet and her twin 10 year-olds Layne and Addie with the first book in the series (well Addy and Layne if Addie has anything to say since she is 10 minutes older than Layne). I had picked it up on a lark when it was first released and ended up reading it instead of working on my classwork. It was well worth getting up at early to finish my work just to sit there show more and laugh so hard over and over again! How can you resist a little girl who liberates chickens and names them Elvis! Violet is at the top of my list as favorite female protagonists. Most lead female characters in today's genre fiction tend to be beautiful blonds with the prefect bodies and Kenjutsu form that look mighty fine with their rippled muscular bodies from the hours of Tai Chi with some ancient monk up in their secret mountain hideout. It is nice, occasionally and though I do read those books I tend not to admit to doing so.
With Violet, you get a real woman struggling to support her children despite dealing with ghosts, misogynistic co-workers, crazy sex-addicted senior citizens, pet chickens and children who like to dig up bones in the back yard. Her boobs are sagging a bit, she still carries around her baby fat and her hair maybe blond, but it certainly doesn't lay perfect and is constantly looking like Elvis (the chicken) helped style it! Her ghost smelling secret boyfriend finds her sexy, doesn't mind a bit that occasionally she likes to snuggle up with a bowl of ice cream instead of him and that she sleeps in an Elvis t-shirt and boxer shorts (well he thought it was slinky satin nightgown but I digress). One way these wonderful books work is each ends with a bang and starts with a bang. Which is why you will have fans saying things like this in their reviews -

"...And of course the end leaves you wishing the next book was ready to be read!! I am dying a slow death and may survive only if the 4th book comes out soon!!!"

When I opened up the book and read the first sentence with her standing over a headless corpse (who was found clutching her business card) at the "butt-crack of dawn" I laughed so loud the cat ended up under the bed!. Violet still was struggling to keep her job and this time it was do or die hour. The little bit of sweat left on her freshly waxed lip was not from the caramel latte she just picked up, it was the fact that if she not only sell the houses she had on the market, but =she had to bring in an even bigger fish. So when an Abe Lincoln stepped into Calamity Jane Reality and asked if she would help him buy the hotel for sale in town and she asked which one... Murphy peeked out of his law office waving his magical gavel and Abe answered "the haunted one." The pace is fast, the dialogue is witty, smooth and natural. I can totally believe it all! Ask my friends heck read my blog! I have conversations like Violet has (both internally and out loud) ALL the time! For the true mystery aficionados this will keep you guessing and trust me, at the end will have you going "WHAT! WAIT when is book four coming out!" Heck, even the most despicable characters in the novel are so compelling you love to hate them! (Though I think in the end there is a special kind of justice for one specific one..*wagging finger* nuh uh uh! No spoilers my friends!) Congratulations Ann Charles! show less